(referring to the Arakkis DC6)
Specifically, no video ouput or front-panel display & mp2 ripping only.

A control system is required to do anything with it. So if you have your program loaded up, all connections are made, you press play & nothing happens, the possible troubleshooting variables are way too numerous. Without a front-panel display or video output, you have no idea where the problem lies. At least with ReQuest & Escient you can get the unit playing first before testing your Crestron/AMX program.

I believe you can transfer your own mp3's into it over USB - I tried once, and connecting the cable immediately fried the unit. And the mp2 ripping is really slow.

In their defense, when they work, they work very well. 6 discrete audio outputs in one chassis is pretty sweet.

All servers have their good & bad points. We're about to try our first FireBall since onboard ethernet was added in the next couple weeks, so I'll be able to make an educated evaluation then. That whole HPNA thing really annoyed me, but I'm giving them a second chance.

Doug @ HomeWorks